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Charlotte Helston
REPORTER
Charlotte Helston grew up in Armstrong and after four years studying writing at the University of Victoria, she came back to do what she loves most: Connect with the community and bringing its stories to life.
Covering Vernon for iNFOnews.ca has reinforced her belief in community. The people and the stories she encounters every day—at the courthouse, City Hall or on the street—show the big tales in a small town.
If you have an opinion to share or a story you'd like covered, contact Charlotte at Charlotte Helston or call 250-309-5230.
Charlotte Helston's Stories
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Lumby woman was found dead in car with three dogs, court hears in murder trial
'MY WIFE, I SHOT HER' VERNON – The man accused of murdering a local teacher…
“We can do something”: Vernon shopkeeper has an idea to help with business break-ins
VERNON – A downtown Vernon shopkeeper has a unique idea to help make things a…
Vernon politician wants police, first responders and bylaw to carry overdose reversal kits
VERNON – With a rising number of overdose deaths sweeping the province and a potent…
Okanagan dispensary owner accused of drug trafficking fights charge in court
VERNON – The municipality told him to shut down, police raided his shop and charged…
Specialized RCMP unit called after suspicious package delivered to Vernon government office
VERNON – A government office in Vernon closed early on Monday after a suspicious package…
Vernon woman thrilled with city’s decision on pet micro-pigs
VERNON – You may soon be able to legally keep a pet pig in the…
Murder trial begins for North Okanagan man
VERNON – Jury selection began this morning for a murder trial into the death of…
Heartbroken parents speak out after fentanyl crisis claims life of Vernon man
"THIS IS REAL. THIS HAPPENS, AND IT HAPPENED TO US." VERNON – They have to…
‘Vernon is a comparatively safe community’: City
VERNON – The City of Vernon wants to reassure residents the community is safe and…
UPDATE: Woman with three toddlers struck by car while crossing Vernon intersection
VERNON – A daycare worker and three toddlers were taken to hospital today after being…
Licensed Vernon grow-op raided by police found in violation of city bylaw
VERNON – Police have yet to lay any charges after raiding two grow-ops in Vernon…
Keep an eye — and an ear — out for this large, loud invasive frog
SHUSWAP – A conservation group is asking people to keep their eyes and ears open…
Armstrong man struck on the back of the head by apparent gas thieves
ARMSTRONG – An Armstrong man was taken to hospital after an early morning encounter with…
Ron MacLean coming to Vernon to host hometown hockey celebration this winter
VERNON – Vernon is one of the stops on this year’s hometown hockey tour. Rogers…
Police find and arrest man accused of robbing Kelowna restaurant
KELOWNA – A Grand Forks man was arrested after allegedly holding up a Kelowna restaurant…
Elevated lead levels found at several North Okanagan schools
VERNON – The Vernon School District says slightly elevated lead levels were found in the…
Air scrubbers, environmental testing required after sewer backup at Vernon’s Kal Tire Place
VERNON – Vernon’s Kal Tire Place is down for the next several days as restoration…
Mayor says recent incidents not representative of overall level of safety in Vernon
VERNON – Vernon council will meet with the city’s top cop to discuss recent incidents…
HELSTON: Not all stories found at the library are contained in books
OPINION Some characters stay with you long after you’ve returned a good book, and you…
Vernon MLA personally intervened to ‘nix’ proposal without seeing application
"I THINK I DID THEM A FAVOUR" VERNON – The director of an Okanagan festival…
Police investigate brutal assault that left Vernon woman badly injured
“THE ONLY THING THAT MADE HIM STOP WAS WE STARTED SCREAMING CALL 911” VERNON –…
Five overdoses in 48 hours in Vernon; health officials say there is no clear link
VERNON – Health officials say there was a jump in the usual number of overdoses…
Gaps leave children at risk of online exploitation, federal study warns
OTTAWA – There are "serious gaps" — in resources, training and research — in efforts…
Of five different jobs, making you smile is the one this Vernon busker values most
VERNON – Every day at 4 a.m., Carson Holtz heads out the door with a…